Titanium Metals Corp. (Timet) has commissioned a plasma cold-hearth melt furnace at its Morgantown, Pa., operations as it aims to boost its role in the aerospace market with new melting capacity, while also installing new titanium powder capabilities.

Global shipments of titanium mill products, spurred by both commercial aerospace and industrial demand, will rise 7 to 10 percent this year after jumping more than 24 percent in 2011, Titanium Metals Corp. (Timet) forecast in documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

From the Editor

This month’s issue offers a story on controlling risk in the aluminum sector. The use of information technology (IT) for budgeting, forecasting and other financial-related aspects of running a metals business are an important part of that approach. Aluminum firms are to be commended for their foresight here.

This month’s issue offers a story on controlling risk in the aluminum sector. The use of information technology (IT) for budgeting, forecasting and other financial-related aspects of running a metals business are an important part of that approach. Aluminum firms are to be commended for their foresight here.

U.S. and Canadian service centers are experiencing strong demand, just as they had predicted. Healthy demand from customers pushed aluminum product shipments up in March, the most recent figures available, but optimism also was displayed heading into April.

The International Stainless Steel Forum is beginning the celebration of stainless steel’s centenary this year by retracing its history and highlighting its major markets and applications, its raw materials, its ability to be recycled and other advantages.

Although 2012 started strong, the stainless sector is still worried that volatility will be the watchword this year. Further complicating matters for domestic producers is the fact that imports remain a relatively major concern because of cheaper foreign production.

Australia was once one of the biggest aluminum producers in the world, but that has changed as large companies have decided to rethink their strategies, which may lead to the end of the nation’s role as an important international player in the production arena.

All end markets—with the exception of building and construction—are expected to experience continued growth this year as transportation and energy help drive demand for aluminum products, say leaders in the industry.

Aluminum producer Dubal worked with GE Energy in an effort to reduce its electricity costs and nitrogen oxide emissions. An energy-reduction initiative focused primarily on its fleet of gas turbines has already saved enough to fully recover the cost of its service agreement.